41st Season

2016 Annual Report

210 hazel avenue st. louis, mo 63119

ExperienceOpera .org

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Connecting Our CommunityShaping the Future of Opera

Opera Theatre’s mission is to shape the future of opera and to connect diverse audiences through its power

and beauty. To accomplish our mission, we produce a world-class opera festival, we champion new works,

we build new audiences, we educate and engage our community, and we nurture the finest opera artists,

artisans, and administrators of each generation. By doing so, we strengthen the cultural and

economic vitality of the St. Louis community.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

THE WORLD PREMIERE OF

SHALIMAR THE CLOWN

“The dramatic resonance of modern

Shakespearean tragedy… Shalimar

is a keeper.” – Chicago Tribune

“Intelligent, beguiling... a bravura performance”

– The New York Times

“Moving drama and music…of poetry and power… Exemplary.”

– St. Louis Post-Dispatch

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A Message from the General Director Thanks to its artists, its audience, and its inspiringly generous family of supporters, Opera Theatre enjoyed a year of landmark success in 2016. To everyone who contributed time, talent, and resources — thank you!

The 2016 season brought Opera Theatre’s 25th world premiere — the critically acclaimed Shalimar the Clown by Jack Perla and Rajiv Joseph, based on the novel by Salman Rushdie. It was a privilege to work with those three extraordinary artists, each of whom spent time in St. Louis getting to know the Opera Theatre audience. The response to the opera was thrilling, with praise coming from critics, longtime subscribers, and opera newcomers alike. This latest addition to Opera Theatre’s New Works, Bold Voices series continues to build a repertory of operas commissioned from American composers on modern themes.

In these pages, you will find praise garnered by Shalimar as well as by captivating productions of La bohème, Macbeth, and Ariadne on Naxos, each of which included exhilarating debuts from rising stars. It’s a pleasure to report that this work also sparked an impassioned response from our community. Season attendance grew by 4.4% over 2015, and, thanks to funding from The Wallace Foundation, Opera Theatre’s efforts to build new and diverse Millennial and Generation X audiences have been effective. Both Opera Tastings and a community tour featuring Shalimar’s creative team resulted in sold-out events across St. Louis. In addition, our Young Friends program grew by another 36% this year, with most events selling out well in advance.

Fiscal strength makes Opera Theatre’s artistic mission possible, and it’s a thrill to say that 2016 was a record-breaking year. Thanks to the leadership of our board and our outstanding Development team, OTSL actually achieved 118% of its fundraising goal, a success driven in part by the leadership and breathtaking generosity of our Spring Gala co-chairs, David and Thelma Steward, who led a gala honoring Grace Bumbry which grossed an unprecedented $1.3 million. At the same time, Opera Theatre’s endowment experienced another year of growth through both careful stewardship and capital additions, reaching a high of $29.5 million, representing invaluable support to our annual budget of $10.7 million.

These exceptional results would not have been possible without the Opera Theatre board, and in particular the tireless leadership of Board Chairman Noémi Neidorff in her first year on the job. I am grateful to her, to all of our Guild volunteers, our long list of local partners, and Opera Theatre’s nationwide network of friends. On behalf of the entire Opera Theatre family, thank you for your generous support!

Timothy O’LearyGeneral DirectorOpera Theatre of Saint Louis

A Message from the Chairman of the BoardNow in its 41st season, Opera Theatre continues to be one of those rare arts organizations whose work only seems to improve with age. I can hardly believe that my first year as Chairman of the Board has already drawn to a close, and I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work so closely with the entire Opera Theatre staff and board in 2016.

The past season received glowing press coverage from major national and international publications, ranging from The New York Times to London’s Financial Times and many more. There were many unforgettable moments, from a community tour by composer Jack Perla and librettist Rajiv Joseph to the rousing, moving finale of our second-ever Center Stage concert, featuring the superb Gerdine Young Artists and Gaddes Festival Artists. In another wonderful coup for Opera Theatre, it was also announced following the 2016 season that our very own Timothy O’Leary had been named OPERA America’s newest Chairman of the Board.

As we continue to look for future opportunities for artistic growth, I am personally grateful to the many loyal OTSL donors who continue to prioritize this company’s ability to engage new audiences with exciting new productions. Several major new endowment funds were added in FY2016 to support the incredible work seen at the Loretto-Hilton Center each spring, and will be key to maintaining Opera Theatre’s fiscal vitality in seasons to come.

I truly believe the key to a successful arts organization is establishing authentic, genuine connections between art and community. For that reason, it was a special privilege for the board to support the planning and execution of the 2016 Spring Gala, which welcomed home St. Louis native and opera icon Grace Bumbry, whose legacy has inspired multiple generations of young aspiring singers of color. During her visit with Opera Theatre, Ms. Bumbry generously hosted a public master class with several young artists, which was attended by musicians, public school students, and city officials alike.

To all the donors and supporters who made the 2016 year such a resounding success, thank you! It is because of the generosity of our community that Opera Theatre is able to champion the future of our art form.

Noémi NeidorffChairman of the Board of DirectorsOpera Theatre of Saint Louis

2016 ANNUAL REPORT 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

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Productions Made Possible through the Generosity of Our Supporters

MacbethGiuseppe Verdi

Made possible with a leadership gift from Sally S. Levy & Family and by

lead corporate sponsor

and with production underwriting from

Clayco

and

Ariadne on NaxosRichard Strauss

Made possible in part with major production support from Mrs. Walter F. Brissenden

and with production underwriting from The Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation -

Mabel L. Purkerson, M.D., Trustee and Leigh & Jean Mason.

La bohèmeGiacomo Puccini

Made possible by lead corporate sponsor

and the Steward Family Foundation. Major production support was provided

by the William T. Kemper Foundation - Commerce Bank,

Trustee, and

The production was also made possible with a generous gift from Adrienne and Russ Patton in celebration of their 40th anniversary. Production underwriting was

provided by the

Shalimar the ClownJack Perla & Rajiv Joseph

The world premiere of Shalimar the Clown was made possible in part by the Fred M. Saigh Endowment at Opera Theatre and by the

Sally S. Levy Family Fund for New Works, which provides support for contemporary opera and

related community engagement activities. Leadership support for Shalimar the Clown came

from the Whitaker Foundation, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Berges Family

Foundation, and the Ferring Family Foundation, with an award from the National

Endowment for the Arts and with major production support from Emily Rauh Pulitzer and

OPERA America’s Opera Fund.

Special thanks for production underwriting from the Ware Family

Foundation and the late Emma Coulter Ware. Opera Theatre gratefully acknowledges

Pris McDonnell for endowment support for artist residencies.

Audience development programs surrounding Shalimar the Clown are made possible by PNC

Arts Alive and OPERA America’s Opera Fund.

Center StageYoung Artist Showcase

Center Stage was made possible in part with a gift from William H.T. Bush in loving

memory of Patricia R. Bush.

Opera Theatre gratefully acknowledges Center Stage Sponsors Phoebe and

Spencer Burke and

Lewis Rice,

and Bravo Benefactors Mary Ann and Andy Srenco, and Encore Contributor

Paul M. Arenberg.

“Each work gets a gripping production that exemplifies what

this envelope-pushing, opera-in-English

company does best: high-gloss music

theater that speaks to the cultural and political issues

of today…”– Chicago Tribune

on Shalimar the Clown and Macbeth

BERGES FAMILY F O U N D AT I O N

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is funded in part by the Regional Arts Commission, Arts and Education Council, National

Endowment for the Arts, and the Missouri Arts Council.

Generous leadership support for the services of the St. Louis Symphony is provided by Jack C. Taylor and the Taylor family.

Opera Theatre promotes and affirms diversity and inclusion through

community engagement, casting and hiring nondiscrimination policies,

and its ADA compliance.

Photos (L to R): (1) Andrew Haji and Hae Ji Chang in La bohème. (2) Robert Pomakov and Roland Wood in Macbeth. (3) So Young Park in Ariadne on Naxos.

(4) Andriana Chuchman in the world premiere of Shalimar the Clown. (5) Liv Redpath and Joshua Blue in Center Stage. Photos © Ken Howard, 2016

Of course, programming new works doesn’t just help attract top artists. New Works, Bold Voices is also crucial to introducing new audiences to opera. When this company commissions a world premiere, one of our goals is to create art that reflects the diversity of our community. These world premieres focus

on telling modern stories for an American audience, and as a result have attracted new visitors from across the entire country. Opera Theatre works year-round to build advance interest and enthusiasm for a new opera by holding community tours with its creators. In 2016, this led to an extended weekend of preview events, symposiums, and town hall-style meetings with Shalimar composer Jack Perla, librettist Rajiv Joseph, and author Salman Rushdie.

Opera Theatre’s commitment to bold premieres doesn’t just create artisic opportunities. Unique programming helps our company capture the interest of crucial regional and national arts funders, ranging from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to PNC Arts Alive. In other words, new works are also key to the fiscal strength of this company.

Composer Jack Perla, author Salman Rushdie, and librettist Rajiv Joseph discuss Shalimar the Clown at a series of community events. Photos © Eric Woolsey, 2016

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“Haunting…topical, literary, and theatrical…poignant…vivid.” – The Wall Street Journal

In the 2016 season, Opera Theatre presented its 25th world premiere and the third chapter of its New Works, Bold Voices series with Shalimar the Clown, based on the acclaimed novel by Salman Rushdie. Composed by Jack Perla with a libretto by playwright Rajiv Joseph, this work created a magic all its own by fusing Western and classical Indian musical traditions, exciting audiences and critics alike.

Since the opera’s premiere in June 2016, multiple companies have already expressed their interest in mounting subsequent productions. If Shalimar travels to other stages in the future, it will follow in a proud tradition of other

OTSL commissions. In 2016, other companies announced or opened new productions of Opera Theatre world premieres. The Washington National Opera at the Kennedy Center programmed Terence Blanchard and Michael Cristofer’s Champion for its 2016–17 season, featuring much of the same cast and production team as the original OTSL production with Jazz St. Louis. This opera in jazz also received a new staging from San Francisco’s Opera Parallèle in co-production with SFJAZZ, where

it quickly sold out. In addition, Ricky Ian Gordon and Royce Vavrek’s “27” traveled to Pittsburgh Opera in in February 2016, and the New York City Center presented a concert staging of “27” in October 2016, where it garnered significant critical acclaim.

With Opera Theatre’s commissions continuing to triumph across the country, there’s no question about the importance of new works

to our company’s mission. OTSL’s artistic innovation not only keeps us on a list of the most forward-thinking companies in

the nation, but also continues to attract the most exciting singers in the world. More than 1,040 individuals applied for our

young artist programs in 2016, with 441 auditions heard in 5 cities. Of these, just 38 (or 4%) were selected as Gerdine

Young Artists or Gaddes Festival Artists.

Opera Theatre's World Premieres Travel Across the Country

In FY2016 alone, OTSL’s New Works, Bold Voices

commissions were programmed in

Washington D.C., San Francisco, Pittsburgh,

and New York.

Based on 2016 acceptance rates, OTSL's young artists

programs are even harder to get into than an

Ivy League university.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Opera Theatre’s 2013 world premiere of Champion has been programmed by

companies across the nation, from San Francisco’s Opera Parallèle to

Washington D.C.’s Kennedy Center. Photo © Ken Howard

The Wallace Foundation’s grant is unusual in that it supports not only the implementation of new programs, but also extensive research and data analysis — something that most non-profit arts organizations do not have the resources to conduct independently. Thanks to this funding, Opera Theatre has already completed several rounds of market research and begun to build new programs based on an even clearer understanding of the audiences of tomorrow.

Many of these programs are blurring the distinctions between traditional “education” or “community” events. For example, the addition of Teen Matinees, mirroring the Young Friends experience of a pre-performance buffet and informal remarks on the opera, approaches teens on their own terms for age-appropriate operas. Opera Tastings, which continues to attract exponentially larger audiences each year, added a day-time performance in 2016 for young families with children, providing a fun culinary concert for adults and children alike.

New Opera Theatre events like these have continued to draw larger crowds of first-time attendees, many of whom became ticket buyers for the 2016 season. With innovative programming for all ages, Opera Theatre will continue to anchor its position as a pivotal player in the St. Louis cultural landscape.

Ultimately, it is through imaginative engagement efforts that Opera Theatre will continue to thrive and attract new audiences. Research across the arts industry has shown that the more audience members and patrons feel as though they have “ownership” in a company, the stronger advocates they will be for that organization. Generating new audiences isn’t just about ticket sales, or season attendance…it’s an investment in the continued success of Opera Theatre. Young audiences participate in a social media scavenger hunt at a Teen Matinee (2016). Photo © Ken Howard

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When Opera Theatre adopted a new strategic plan in 2014, it made a commitment to engage audiences across St. Louis in their own neighborhoods, and not just at the opera house. While our festival may only operate for six weeks each spring, we believe it is essential that we still serve our community the remaining 46 weeks of the year!

Since 2011, OTSL has increased the number of activities that bring our artists into the community, consistently meeting St. Louisans where they are. These new efforts began with a powerful range of community programs tied to John Adams’s The Death of Klinghoffer, and continued in 2012 with a tour featuring hometown hero Kendall Gladen that touched school children, young professionals, and hundreds of new prospective audience members. After the success of this tour, OTSL created its Engagement and Inclusion Task Force, which has become a driving force for major community programs since, from Terence Blanchard’s 2013 residency preceding Champion to sold-out appearances by Isaac Mizrahi, Ricky Ian Gordon, and Royce Vavrek in 2014 to the creation of our Spring Sing! and Opera Tastings programs.

Today, OTSL’s work in the metro area continues to grow. In 2016, participation in the Opera Tastings series doubled, OTSL’s partnership with the Missouri History Museum was highlighted in a major national case study addressing best practices in community engagement, opera legend Grace Bumbry led a public master class at The Sheldon, and a new staff position (Manager of Community Events and Engagement) was created to further connect the Education & Community Engagement and Marketing & PR departments with partners throughout the region.

All of these efforts have been bolstered by recent philanthropic funding. In 2015, Opera Theatre was selected as one of 26 national recipients of a multi-year Building Audiences for Sustainability grant from The Wallace Foundation. Other recipients included the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Goodman Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, New York Philharmonic, and Seattle Opera.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Engagement and Experience

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Geoffrey Agpalo performs at Opera Tastings (2016). Photo © Eric Woolsey

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GROWTH IN YOUNG AND DIVERSE AUDIENCES

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John D. Levy Master Classes Individual and group coaching sessions for this year’s young artists culminated in two public master classes. Instruction was led by composer Ricky Ian Gordon (who wrote 2014’s “27”) and internationally renowned bass-baritone James Morris.

Made possible by the Levy Family and presented in memory of John D. Levy, a founding board member of Opera Theatre.

Grace Bumbry Public Master ClassWhen Grace Bumbry returned to St. Louis for Opera Theatre’s Spring Fête, she also graciously agreed to teach a public master class for several young artists. At this free event, arts lovers and music students from all over the region gathered to observe this brilliant artist inspire the next generation of opera singers. Before the master class began, Washington University professor Gerald Early presented remarks and Mayor Francis G. Slay declared May 6th to be “Grace Bumbry Day in St. Louis"…an honor long overdue for one of opera’s most courageous stars.

Soprano Grace Bumbry teaches a public master class for OTSL’s young artists (2016). Photo © Eric Woolsey

Made possible by the Steward Family Foundation and the World Wide Technology Foundation.

Administrative Internship Program Opera Theatre’s commitment to professional development extends to identifying the next generation of arts administrators through seasonal internships in marketing, education, finance, development, production, and artistic administration. Three members of Opera Theatre’s current annual staff began at OTSL as interns; alumni of the program have gone on to positions at arts organizations throughout St. Louis as well as the Kennedy Center and the Metropolitan Opera.

Made possible in part with support from the Charles MacKay Career Development Fund, the Dixie Long Memorial Fund, and gifts made in memory of Mrs. John Sausele.

Emerson Behind the Curtain This series of professional development programs prepares college students for careers in a broad spectrum of technical concentrations in modern-day stage work, with training programs originating from the logistical demands of a repertory opera season. • Emerson Opera Production Workshops – A general introduction to construction and technical design and the opportunity for careers behind the stage. • Emerson Production Artists – An eight-week intensive experience in theater production, with weekly professional development seminars led by artists and production staff. • Emerson Production Assistants – Entry-level theater professionals who work under the direction of OTSL’s lauded designers, directors, and professional production staff. • Emerson Costume Apprentices – Progressive training in costume design and construction from visiting designers and costume department professionals.

Made possible with a leadership gift from Emerson, and with gifts from Rabbi Dr. Jay & Erika† Goldburg, and a fund established in memory of Catherine Vail Levy.

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“The company remains one of the best springboards in the nation for young Americans on the cusp of big careers.”

– Chicago Tribune

Young Artists Programs: Gerdine Young Artists & Richard Gaddes Festival Artists Among the nation’s most competitive programs for rising early-career opera singers, Opera Theatre’s renowned young artist programs accept just 3-4% of all applicants each year. For the 2016 season, 38 artists were chosen from 1,043 applicants.

The Gerdine Young Artist Program is designed to nurture potential future principal artists and provide them with important early-career development opportunities. Gerdine Young Artists appear in supporting roles, understudy featured roles in main season productions, and sing in the chorus. In addition, they learn and coach repertoire with OTSL’s music staff and appear as soloists in master classes and recitals.

Opera Theatre also offers a second advanced designation of young artists: Richard Gaddes Festival Artists. With support from the long-established Richard Gaddes Fund for Young Singers, this program selects the most outstanding participants from previous seasons of The Gerdine Young Artist Program to perform specially selected featured roles that represent a natural progression on a path toward a solo career; these young artists still continue to benefit from Opera Theatre’s many coaching and mentoring opportunities.

For the second year, Opera Theatre brought all these deserving young artists into the spotlight with the Center Stage concert, which featured a mix of beloved classics and cherished rarities with accompaniment from the St. Louis Symphony.

This past season, our young artists received national praise for their work as the season’s ensemble, with Opera Today raving, “The Gerdine Young Artists proved once again they are a consistent model of excellence for all other opera choruses.”

The Gerdine Young Artist Program is supported in part by the Charles MacKay Career Development Fund. The Richard Gaddes Festival Artist Program and Gaddes Career Grants are supported by the Richard Gaddes Fund for Young Singers and funds established in memory of OTSL founding board members Elihu Hyndman and Barbara & Stanley Richman. A major gift from the Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation – Mabel L. Purkerson, M.D., Trustee in 2010 helped endow OTSL’s professional development programs and established the Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation Prize.

Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation Young Artist Education and Development Programs

Joshua Blue, Benjamin Taylor, and Erik Van Heyningen in Center Stage (2016). Photo © Ken Howard

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“A Macbeth of true international festival caliber… OTSL’s interpretation is sweeping in its

execution and thrilling in its grasp of Verdi’s lush and often surprising score.”

– Chicago Tribune

1312 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Larry and Jinny Browning Fund for Technical Fellowships Made possible with a transformative gift from the family of Opera Theatre’s late board chairman Larry Browning, the Larry & Jinny Browning Fund for Technical Fellowships offers advanced training for young artisans pursuing careers in technical theater production. Browning Fellows attend seminars taught by visiting designers, directors, and OTSL professional staff, and a $5,000 career grant is awarded to one Fellow each season in recognition of extraordinary potential to advance the field of technical theater.

Made possible with a leadership endowment gift from the Browning Family in memory of Opera Theatre’s late board chairman Larry Browning, one of OTSL’s principal founders.

Monsanto Artists-in-Training In 2016, the Monsanto Artists-in-Training Program celebrated its 26th anniversary. This landmark Opera Theatre program offers eight months of college-level voice lessons to talented high school students, who are chosen through a highly competitive audition process. In the last year, 23 high school students from across the St. Louis region received weekly vocal coaching from faculty at Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, Washington University, Webster University, and University of Missouri – St. Louis. Last spring, students competed for approximately $12,000 in scholarship awards at a spring recital held at The Sheldon Concert Hall, adjudicated by internationally acclaimed mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves, last seen in St. Louis during 2013’s world premiere Champion.

• AIT Advanced Study Scholarships are awarded through an annual audition to program alumni who are focused on furthering their vocal studies. In 2016, 17 alumni received scholarships. • AIT Preparatory Program at Normandy High School, Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, and Riverview Gardens High School offers training to prepare high school students who plan to audition for the Monsanto Artists-in-Training Program. • AIT Spring Training offers two one-week camps during the opera season to students interested in auditioning for the Monsanto Artists-in-Training Program.

Sponsored by Monsanto Fund for 26 consecutive years and made possible in collaboration with the Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts at Webster University. Opera Theatre’s AIT endowment is funded by the Whitaker Foundation, the Gertrude and William A. Bernoudy Foundation, the William T. Kemper Foundation - Commerce Bank, Trustee, Ameren, the Marielle Huber Memorial Fund, and the OTSL William E. Maritz Memorial Endowment Fund.

Additional support for AIT graduate study awards is made possible by Mr. & Mrs. Anthony Guerrerio and Wedgewood Partners, Inc. and awards named for Scott Joplin and Kenneth Billups.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

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Mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves leads a master class with AIT students (2016). Photo © Eric Woolsey

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MACBETH

Opera Tastings 2016 marked the second year of Opera Theatre’s newest pre-season event. At six restaurants across the St. Louis region, four current and former OTSL young artists performed arias, duets, and trios spanning the range of operatic history. For each piece, chefs and sommeliers created a small plate or drink “pairing” to enhance the flavor of the music. Designed for audiences new to opera, these innovative “culinary concerts” helped audiences develop a palate for opera in a fun setting. The series was offered this year at venues ranging from Grand Center to Old North St. Louis to Soulard to Chesterfield. Acclaimed conductor Ryan McAdams (a St. Louis native) and OTSL staff member and AIT alumnus Robert McNichols emceed. Each evening event sold out, with the series reaching 107% of original capacity. Roughly two-thirds of attendees had never before bought tickets to Opera Theatre, and nearly half of all attendees then went on to purchase tickets to the main season.

Made possible by with additional support from

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Kashmir: Paradise Lost? On May 12, Opera Theatre held a panel discussion on the history and music of the Kashmir Valley at the Missouri History Museum. This panel explored the region’s history and culture in relation to the original novel and operatic adaptation of Shalimar the Clown. Panelists included South Asian history and law scholar Shazia Ahmad, General Director Timothy O’Leary, Artistic Director James Robinson, and members of the cast. Sitar player Arjun Verma performed excerpts from the opera, weaving the music of Kashmir into the evening’s conversation.

Produced in partnership with the Missouri History Museum.

Spring Sing! On May 7, Opera Theatre’s beloved community chorus event returned for a third year, offering a pop-up concert in the Grand Hall of the Missouri History Museum. Principal singers, Gerdine Young Artists, and Richard Gaddes Festival Artists joined with almost 200 members of the greater St. Louis community to launch Opera Theatre’s 41st festival season together in song. Head of Music Staff and Chorus Master Robert Ainsley conducted the 30-minute concert, which included classic opera choruses from Verdi and Puccini, as well as spirituals and choruses from the American songbook. The concert also featured a special appearance by the high school group “Spiritual Remix,” under the direction of Duane Foster.

Spring Sing! was made possible with generous support from Mary Susman and Tom Herm.

Beyond the Stage

AUDIENCES RAVE ABOUT OPERA TASTINGS

"This was my first taste of opera and I loved it!"

"Wonderful, approachable, fun opera music!"

"Awesome to every last morsel. Thanks!"

Christine Brewer and OTSL young artists join local volunteers for Spring Sing! (2015). Photos © J. David Levy

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Audiences enjoy food, beverages, and live performances at Opera Tastings. Singers included soprano Katherine Jolly, mezzo-soprano Stephanie Sanchez, tenor Geoffrey Agpalo, and baritone Robert Mellon. Photos © Alec Wallis/Alive Magazine, Elizabeth Wiseman, and Eric Woolsey

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In FY2016, Opera Theatre’s education and community engagement programs served 9,700 students in 120 schools and 78 zip codes — in addition to 6,100 adults throughout Missouri and Illinois.

Dress RehearsalsAmong the invited audience members at dress rehearsals, 706 of the attendees were students ranging in age from elementary school to college.

Made possible by the Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis, and by a special gift in loving memory of Erika Goldburg.

Opera on the GO! One of OTSL’s most beloved and celebrated education offerings, this tour brings the joy, passion, and excitement of opera into the classroom through multimedia workshops and performance. Workshops in acting and movement, singing, and make-up allow students to experience the joys and challenges of creating an opera firsthand. In the fall of 2015, each workshop culminated with an abridged presentation

of The Barber of Seville, featuring five members of The Gerdine Young Artist Program and pianist and music director Timothy Cheung. This performance perfectly captured the vivacious energy of Rossini’s beloved comedy, and reached a total audience of 3,330 students, parents, and teachers across St. Louis.

Made possible with leadership support from the Fred M. Saigh Endowment at Opera Theatre, and with generous support from The Dana Brown Charitable Trust, U.S. Bank, Trustee, and from Monsanto Fund.

Students have a riotously good time during an Opera on the GO! performance at Kennard Classical Junior Academy (2015). Photo © J. David Levy

Music! Words! Opera! Opera is more than just an art form. It can also be a valuable teaching tool for various academic subjects, including history and literature. During a series of in-school collaborations between teachers and artists, interdisciplinary lessons and activities culminate with the performance of original operas created and produced by students. In 2016, more than 3,700 students participated in more than 30 schools.

Made possible with support from Enterprise Holdings Foundation. The Johnson Wabash Elementary residency was made possible by the Trio Foundation of St. Louis.

Teachers’ Institute for Music and Theater This course offers educator training on the annual Music! Words! Opera! curriculum, led by local and national experts including authors Roger Ames and Clifford Brooks and presented in collaboration with Webster University. This year’s teacher training featured an in-depth exploration of Puccini’s La bohème.

Opera Camp for Kids During our festival season, students participated in two one-week sessions that offered workshops in singing, acting, and dancing at City Academy in St. Louis and Hudson Elementary School in Webster Groves. Campers also attended a performance of Puccini’s La bohème and received a special visit from Musetta (soprano Lauren Michelle).

Made possible by lead corporate sponsor Edward Jones.1716

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Beyond the Stage

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“A marvelous blend of high art and low comedy, with rafts of

terrific music along the way…” – St. Louis Post-Dispatch

1918 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Spotlight on Opera This popular series explores each of Opera Theatre’s four mainstage productions with a panel discussion featuring each opera's director and designers, in addition to guest speakers such as Shakespeare Festival’s Executive Director Rick Dildine, Broadway and film actor Ken Page, and St. Lou Fringe founder Em Piro. As part of each panel, members of The Gerdine Young Artist Program perform selections from each opera.

Illuminating Opera with Amy Kaiser This in-depth daytime lecture series examines the origins of each opera featured in the season, and is led by the Director of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus.

A Little Lunch Music Select principal artists and Gerdine Young Artists perform music from opera and musical theater at venues throughout the St. Louis community every Monday in June. In 2016, venues included St. Ambrose Church, First Presbyterian Church of Kirkwood, and Manchester United Methodist Church.

Special thanks to Kirkwood Arts Commission, with support from Kirkwood Arts Foundation and Manchester Arts.

Docent Presentations Docent volunteers delivered 51 presentations to 1,500 students and adults, trained by OTSL Music Director Stephen Lord, Director of the St. Louis Symphony Chorus Amy Kaiser, Shalimar the Clown composer Jack Perla and librettist Rajiv Joseph, Meramec College Library Sciences Associate Damaris Schmitt, and retired St. Louis Public Schools music teacher Rose Nester.

Opera Previews Each year, Opera Theatre offers free 20-minute presentations prior to every performance, highlighting the story and music of that opera. These previews are held in the Community Music School Concert Hall, adjacent to the Loretto-Hilton Center.

Generously underwritten by Mary Susman and Tom Herm.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

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Liv Redpath performs at A Little Lunch Music (2016) with pianist Damien Francoeur-Krzyzek. Photo © Ken Howard

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ARIADNE ON NAXOS

The Stephen H. Lord Fund for Music was

created through gifts made in honor of Opera

Theatre’s outgoing Music Director.

$1.75 Million in New Named FundsThe past year also saw the creation of several new major funds, thanks to some of the company’s most generous supporters. A $750,000 challenge gift from Patricia Hecker established The Stephen H. Lord Fund for Music, while a $1 million gift from Sally Levy and the Levy Family created The Sally S. Levy Family Fund for New Works. Funds such as these will enable Opera Theatre to sustain the artistic excellence of its work season after season. Combined with the overall endowment, these funds brought Opera Theatre’s total invested endowment assets to $29.5 million in FY2016.

Bucking National TrendsAcross the nonprofit sector, development efforts are measured not only by money raised, but also by how much is spent to secure those funds. The national average for cost per dollar raised ranges from $1.50 to $0.10 and averages approximately $0.20, but Opera Theatre’s average is consistently low at just $0.12.

Thanks to the generous support of donors and the efforts of Opera Theatre’s board and Development department, OTSL maintains its reputation as a fiscally responsible organization. In 2016, Opera Theatre received Charity Navigator’s four-star rating based on our history of financial health, accountability, and transparency. From the low cost of raising money to a track record of fiscal strength, you know that your gift to OTSL has a significant impact.

David and Thelma Steward, soprano Grace Bumbry, and Kara and Timothy O'Leary enjoy 2016's Spring Fête. Photo © Katie Long/Switzerfilm

2120

Since Opera Theatre’s founding in 1976, our company’s reputation for artistic excellence has been matched by an impressive track record of never accumulating a deficit. The 2016 fiscal year continued that legacy with unprecedented generosity from the Opera Theatre family, proving that the company remains a sound investment.

In FY2016, Opera Theatre exceeded expectations by generating 118% of its fundraising goal, leading to total contributions of more than $6.3 million in operating support. This total included a significant increase in support from 126 new donor households, many of whom were inspired to give by the Ferring Challenge, a three-year, $300,000 challenge gift from long-term supporters Alison and John Ferring and the Ferring Family Foundation.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

A Sound Investment

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

“ ” – Charity Navigator

→

FISCAL YEAR2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

0

$1,000,000

$2,000,000

$3,000,000

$4,000,000

$5,000,000

$6,000,000

UNRESTRICTED PRODUCTIONS & RELATED PROGRAMS

TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING SUPPORT BY FUND

20092008

EDUCATION EVENTS

→

The artistic success of the 2016 season contributed to an increase in ticket sales from FY2015. Attendance grew by 4.4%, and overall ticket revenue increased by 1.8% for a total of $1.66 million. While the national average for annual arts subscriber renewal hovers around 70-75%, Opera Theatre continues to buck the trends with subscription renewal rates consistently above 85% for the last three years.

2322

The extraordinary generosity of Opera Theatre’s family led a ground-breaking year of financial growth, with over $9.4 million in total contributions (including operating, endowment, and capital support) and a record endowment high of $29.5 million as of September 30, 2016. Ticket sales cover less than 25% of Opera Theatre’s annual budget, making the investment of our donors absolutely crucial.

Opera Theatre’s endowment has grown by 79% since FY2008, providing an important source of annual income through careful stewardship and annual distributions. Through a combination of new contributions and investment performance, net growth of the invested endowment portfolio totaled nearly $3 million in the 2016 fiscal year alone.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Financial Strength and Stability

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

ENDOWMENT GROWTH

$22.38MILLION

$26.08MILLION

$27.32MILLION $26.13

MILLION

$29.51MILLION

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016AS OF SEPTEMBER 30

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

SUBSCRIBERS

SINGLE TICKETS

TOTAL TICKETS

20162015$0

$400,000

$800,000

$1,200,000

$1,600,000

SUBSCRIBERS

SINGLE TICKETS

TOTAL TICKET REVENUE

20162015

$200,000

$600,000

$1,000,000

$1,400,000

$1,800,000

PRE-SEASON EVENTS

OTHER

$18.6MILLION

2011

$18.8MILLION

2010

$17.5MILLION

2009

$16.5MILLION

2008

4.4%GROWTH

1.8%GROWTH

Financial Strength and Stability

Opera Theatre’s mix of assets incorporates investments of more than $31.1 million, including the Innovation Capital Fund and a Working Capital Reserve. Total net assets totaled more than $41 million as of the close of FY2016, representing a substantial 7% increase over FY2015.

25

Statement of Financial Position

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalentsInvestmentsWorking Capital ReserveContributions ReceivableOtherFacilities and Equipment

Total Assets

LIABILITIES

Accounts payable and accrued expensesDeferred revenueAnnuity Liability

Total Liabilities

Net Assets

Total Liabilities and Net Assets

As of September 30, 2016

$49,389 $31,131,405 $1,640,034 $3,918,127 $1,340,005 $4,387,533

$42,466,493

$409,475 $651,785 $180,015

$1,241,275

$41, 255,218

$42,466,493

242016 ANNUAL REPORT

CENTER STAGE

“All of the performances were well worth hearing.” – St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Step

hanie

San

chez

per

form

s in

the a

nnua

l Cen

ter S

tage

conc

ert (

2016

). Ph

oto

© K

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As in the past, Opera Theatre’s revenues came from a diverse mix of sources in FY2016. The chart below illustrates the importance of Opera Theatre’s generous family of contributors, especially given the limits of box office income (due to our intimate theater and accessible ticket prices).

For the purposes of breaking down contributions by source, a portion of the Release from Restrictions and Designations has been allocated to the categories from which the original contribution was received (e.g. Corporate, Government, Foundation, Individual).

27262016 ANNUAL REPORT

Statement of Activities 2016 Income and Expenses

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Opera Theatre’s change in operating net assets once again was positive in FY2016, with operating revenue and support generating a small surplus against expenses. This surplus, in addition to an increase in endowment and other funds, led to an overall increase of $2.9 million in net assets over FY2015.

OPERATING REVENUE AND SUPPORT

Grants and contributionsPerformance admissionsFundraising eventsOther activitiesInvestment income including realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investmentsNet assets released from designations and restrictions

Total Operating Revenue and Support

OPERATING EXPENSES

Program servicesGeneral and administrativeFundraising

Total Expenses

DESIGNATED AND RESTRICTED REVENUE AND SUPPORT

Grants and contributionsInvestment income including realized and unrealized gains (losses) on investmentsOther activitiesNet assets released from designations and restrictions

Total Designated and Restricted Revenue and Support

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS

Increase in Operating Net AssetsIncrease in Board Designated Net AssetsIncrease in Temporarily Restricted Net AssetsIncrease in Permanently Restricted Net Assets

Total Increase in Net Assets

Year Ended September 30, 2016

$3,293,293$1,659,206$1,466,794

$529,038$1,525,975

$2,244,628

$10,718,934

$8,488,243$842,509

$1,383,100

$10,713,852

$3,815,645$1,385,632

($39,858)($2,244,628)

$2,916,791

$5,082$1,044,415

$28,439$1,843,937

$2,921,873

2016 INCOME SOURCES

Fundraising Events 14%

Other Revenues 5%

Release from Restrictions and Designations 20%

Performance Admissions 15%

Foundation Support 15%

Individual Support 23%

Corporate Support 3%

Government 4%

Arts and Education Council 1%

2016 EXPENSES

Fundraising 13%

General and Administrative 8%

Program Expenses 79%

CONTRIBUTED REVENUE 80%

EARNED REVENUE

20%

29

This list represents contributions of $1,000 or more made to the Annual Operating Fund in the fiscal year of 2016 (October 1, 2015 – September 30, 2016). We are immensely grateful to our donors at all levels and to those who supported capital and endowment projects, but regret that we do not have space here to list them all.

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Thank You to Opera Theatre's Donors

David & Lelia Farr

The Margaret Blanke Grigg Foundation

William T. Kemper Foundation - Commerce Bank, Trustee & The Commerce Trust Company

Missouri Arts Council

National Endowment for the Arts

Emily Rauh Pulitzer

Marsha & William C. Rusnack

Dr. Jeanne & Rex Sinquefield

UPBrand*

Production Underwriter Patrons: $25,000-$49,999Ameren

Paul M. Arenberg† & Arenberg Fund of the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen F. Brauer & Brauer Charitable Trust

Mr. & Mrs. Donald L. Bryant, Jr.

Spencer & Phoebe Burke

Clayco Construction Company Inc.

Edward Jones

Patricia Hecker & Hecker Family Charitable Fund of the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation

Bettie S. Johnson

Mary Ranken Jordan & Ettie A. Jordan Charitable Foundation

Nancy & Ken Kranzberg

Leigh & Jean Mason

OPERA America, Inc.

Adrienne & Russ Patton

PNC Arts Alive

The Mabel Dorn Reeder Foundation —Mabel L. Purkerson, M.D., Trustee

Webster University*

Wells Fargo Advisors

Edward H. & Rosemary Young Fund of the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation

Aria Circle Patrons: $15,000-$24,999Armstrong Teasdale LLP

William H.T. Bush & Bush Family Fund of the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation

Dr. & Mrs. Timothy Eberlein

Enterprise Bank & Trust

Edward Chase Garvey Memorial Foundation

Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation

Mary Ann Lee

Mont & Karen Levy

Danny & Susan Ludeman

Roy Pfautch

John H. Russell

Mr. & Mrs. Robert L. Scharff, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Donald J. Sher

Ann & Bill Sullins

Mary Susman & Tom Herm

Nina Coulter Ware

Phoebe Dent Weil

Ellen & Bill Yeckley

Leadership Circle: $100,000+Anonymous Donors (2)

Arts & Education Council of Greater St. Louis

Mr. & Mrs. James Berges & Berges Family Foundation

Centene Charitable Foundation

Emerson

Alison & John Ferring & Ferring Family Foundation

Sally S. Levy & The Levy Family

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

Monsanto Fund & Monsanto Company

Mr. & Mrs. Michael F. Neidorff

Paradowski Creative*

Regional Arts Commission

David & Thelma Steward & Steward Family Foundation

Jack C. Taylor† & the Taylor Family

The Wallace Foundation

Whitaker Foundation

World Wide Technology Foundation

Directors’ Circle: $50,000-$99,999Anonymous Donors (3)

Mrs. Walter F. Brissenden

Dana Brown Charitable Trust, U.S. Bank Trustee

Mrs. Laurance L. Browning, Jr. & The Pulley Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Irl Engelhardt & Engelhardt Family Foundation

Franklin F. Wallis

Producer Patrons: $7,500-$9,999Ann & Henry Bauer

Commerce Bank

DM3 Fund

Mrs. Joseph F. Gleason

Carol Kimball†

Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence Langsam

John Frank Lesser

J. David & Lucy S. Levy

Major Brands*

Paul M. Packman, M.D.

Dr. Robert Packman

Dee Pavelka & Pavelka Fund of the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation

Jan Paul Richter & Ellen von Seggern Richter

Saint Louis University

Barbara & Gene Spector

Stifel

Trio Foundation of Saint Louis

Josephine & Richard Weil

Sharon & Elliot Zucker

Benefactor Patrons: $5,000-$7,499Anonymous Donor (1)

Anita & Gene Adam

Louis D. Beaumont Fund of the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation

Lee & Alexandra Benham

Lee Bohm & The Milford & Lee Bohm Charitable Foundation

Pamela Buell

Paul & Elissa Cahn

Ces & Judy's Catering

Rev. Ronald C. Chochol

Joanne & Tony Guerrerio & Wedgewood Partners, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Craft, Jr.

Dr. William H. Danforth

Professor Adrienne Davis

Richard & Phyllis Duesenberg & Richard W. & Phyllis B. Duesenberg Foundation

Bill & Cynthia Durham

Richard Gaddes

Rabbi Dr. Jay & Erika† Goldburg

Graybar

George Handran

Janet & Andy Hoyne

Heather Hunt-Ruddy

Impact Group Charitable Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. David W. Kemper

Jim & Pam Krekeler

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Liddy & Liddy Family Foundation

Ann S. Lux & Lux Family Foundation

Dr. & Mrs. John S. Meyer

Eleanor J. Moore†

North Highland

Gyo Obata & Mary Judge

Pinnell Foundation

Polsinelli

PwC

Sauce Magazine*

Mary Schoolman & Clemence S. Lieber Foundation

Judy Scott

Mary Ann & Andrew Srenco

The St. Louis Originals*

The St. Louis Trust Company

The Staenberg Family Foundation

Mary Strauss & The Leon & Mary Strauss Charitable Foundation

Sponsor Patrons: $10,000-$14,999Anonymous Donor (1)

Bank of America

Buckingham

Bryan Cave LLP

Barbara M. Bryant

The Aaron Copland Fund For Music

Bertram B. Culver III

Robert H. Duesenberg & The Robert H. & Lorraine F. Duesenberg Foundation

Robert & Jane Feibel

Dorothy & Billy Firestone

Marilyn & Sam Fox

Edes P. Gilbert

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald A. Holtman

Husch Blackwell LLP

Joanne & Alan Kohn

Gene Kornblum

Mrs. Oliver M. Langenberg† & Pershing Charitable Trust

Lewis Rice

Joseph & Carolyn Losos

Mrs. Sanford N. McDonnell

Mercy

Gwendolyn & Steven C. Mizell

Dr. & Mrs. Robert J. Myerson

Georgia C. Pettus

The Saigh Foundation

Sondra & Milton Schlesinger

Mrs. William H. Sheffield

Shepard Family Foundation

Helen Shopmaker

Spire

Steinway Piano Gallery of St. Louis*

Thompson Coburn LLP

Stephen Trampe & Jenny Gupta28

31302016 ANNUAL REPORT

Donors for Fiscal Year 2016

Feast Magazine*

Drs. Cynthia Florin & Andrey Shaw

John Forestner & Brad Alford

Marti & Bob Fowler

Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Fromm

Geniecast

Ann & Randy Getz

Grey Eagle Distributors

Arnold & Myrna Hershman

Bea Hollander

Alfred & Marilyn Holtzer

Linda Horne & Daniel Phillips

Jeannette R. Huey

The Jackes Foundation

Diane & Paul Jacobson & JOSAL Foundation

Dr. Ann Johanson

Mr. & Mrs. Newell S. Knight

Karen & Harry Knopf

Terry Lay, in memory of Jerry Boyer

Loy Ledbetter†

Mr. & Mrs. Ned Lemkemeier

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew S. Love & Martha Love Symington Charitable Trust

Mr. & Mrs. John Peters MacCarthy & Ruth Peters MacCarthy Trust

Joe & Alice Maffit

Lizbeth Maher

Elizabeth Mannen

Mrs. S. Lee A. McMillan & S. Lee McMillan Charitable Foundation

John G. W. McCord

William D. Merwin

Erie Mills & Thomas Rescigno

Terri Monk, M.D. & B. Craig Weldon, M.D.

Mr. & Mrs. Jean-Paul Montupet

Susan F. Morris & The Cove Point Foundation

Moulin Events & Meetings

Kitty Pearl

Dr. & Mrs. William A. Peck

Cindy & Sandy Peters & The Peters Family Fund

Charlotte Prince

Allison Roberts

Mrs. Robert L. Rosenheim & Rosenheim Charitable Family Foundation

Dr. Mary Anne Rudloff

Linda & Bruce Ryder

Mr. & Mrs. Alan Sachs & Argo Foundation, Inc.

Steve Schankman

Mr. & Mrs. Matt Schumacher

Arthur Bud Schweich & ABS Fund

Mr. & Mrs. Henry L. Schweich

Dr. David Sewall

Marjorie & Kenneth Smith

Solti Foundation

Frank Steeves & Sheryl Andrews

James V. & Susan S. Stepleton

Katinka Stout

Mr. & Mrs. V. Raymond Stranghoener

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Tancer

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Taylor

Mr. & Mrs. E. R. Thomas, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. Mark C. Throdahl

Susan & Peter Tuteur

Susan & Ben Uchitelle

George & Betsy Vogt

Robert & Nancy Wagoner

Peter J. Wender & Wender Foundation

Bradford K. Werner

The Hon. & Mrs. G. H. Walker III & The George Herbert Walker Foundation

Rita & David Wells

Donna Wilkinson

Patrons: $2,500-$4,999Anonymous Donors (2)

Mrs. Vern Akers

Robert C. Anderson

Balaban's*

Julia B. Bamburg

Mrs. William Barnes III

Dr. & Mrs. Martin Bell

Pam Belloli & Dave Shimek

Rudi J. Bertrand & Paul A. Williams, M.D.

David A. Blanton III

BMO Private Bank

Employees Community Fund of Boeing St. Louis

Catherine Bollinger

Mr. & Mrs. B. A. Bridgewater, Jr.

The Hon. Bruce Buckland

Buron F. Buffkin & Donn Kleinschmidt, M.D.

Elaine Coe

Salvatore & Dagnija† Comado

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew B. Craig III

Mrs. P. Terence Crebs

Roberta Dearing†

William & Suzanne Dolan

Mr. & Mrs. Julian Edison & Julian I. & Hope R. Edison Foundation

Enterprise Holdings Foundation

Sara Epstein & The Sara & Fred Epstein Family Foundation

Ann Faget

Melanie & Anthony Fathman, M.D.

June R. Bierman

Elaine & Harold Blatt

Sally Brayley Bliss & Jim Connett

Dr. Michael R. Borts & Dr. Mary Jo Gorman & The Borts Gorman Charitable Fund

Martha Brewer & Calvin Bentley Charitable Foundation Trust

Cindy Brinkley

Melvin & Pamela Brown

Mary I. Brown

Mr. & Mrs. Russell Browning & The R.E. & B.O. Browning Foundation

Jane D. Bryan

Paul & Amanda Cambridge

Mrs. Parks Campbell

Mr. & Mrs. Don R. Carlson

Mr. & Mrs. Tim Clark

Beverly Clarkson

Clayton Financial Group

John Michael Clear & Isabel Marie Bone

Vicki & Brian Clevinger

Mr. & Mrs. Bert Condie III & The Herbert D. Condie, Jr. Family Foundation

Diane Dark

Peter & Jayne Davis

Jack & Sherry Delo

Delux Magazine*

Mr. & Mrs. Dale B. Dendtler

Mr. & Mrs. Arnold W. Donald & Arnold & Hazel Donald Fund of the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation

Dr. & Mrs. James W. Donnelly

Quintus L. Drennan, Jr.

Dr. David & Marilyn Yahnke

F. Lee Zingale

Guarantors: $1,000-$2,499Advertisers Printing*

Anonymous Donors (3)

William Aitken

David & Melanie Alpers

H. Dieter & Karla Ambos

A. Gonzalez Angel & T.H. Mathews

AT&T

John & Gailya Barker

Anthony Bassett

BDO, USA

Mr. & Mrs. Peter F. Benoist

Virginia Benson

Mr. & Mrs. Barry Beracha

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Andriana Chuchman and Sean Panikkar in Shalimar the Clown (2016). Photo © Ken Howard

→

33322016 ANNUAL REPORT

Donors for Fiscal Year 2016

Donna & Robert Heider

Milton Hieken & Barbara Barenholtz

Gina & Lee Hoagland

Debra Hollingsworth & Mark Stacye

Liz Hopefl & Brian Mischel

Dr. & Mrs. John W. Hubert

Mrs. Lawrence C. Hultengren

Phyllis R. Hyken

Roger & Lynn Irvine

Frank Jacobs & Marylen Mann

Kyle Kerr

Richard & Shirley Knight

Helen Kornblum

Shirley & Norton Kronemer

Bill Kumke

Lathrop & Gage LLP

Sally Lefler & Jane Towater

Myla Lerner

Fran & Norman Leve

Drs. Laurence & Edith Levine

Leslie F. Loewe & Jean M. Agatstein

The Stanley L. & Lucy Lopata Charitable Foundation

Charles MacKay

Dr. & Mrs. Stan Margul

Mr. & Mrs. Mark McCallum

Pat & Brigid McCauley

Diane McCullough

Rus McMahan

David McNeel

Sedgwick Mead, Jr. & Catherine Perry

Jack Austin Miller

Mr. & Mrs. James R. Moog

Mr. & Mrs. Nate Moore

Julia K. Muller & Earl K. Shreckengast

Cynthia & Rob Nevett

Dr. & Mrs. Matthew Newman

Jerome Nuell

Martha C. Nussbaum

Timothy & Kara Graziano O'Leary

Mr. & Mrs. John Oliver

Mr. & Mrs. Robert F. O'Loughlin

J. Matthew Pantaleoni

Mr. & Mrs. Brooks Parriott

Peggy & Jerry Ritter

John Howard Percy

James D. & Joy M. Pierce

Dr. & Mrs. John A. Powell

Susan & John Rava

Marti Reichman

Heidi & Win Reed

Don J. Riehn & Jon Goeders

Peggy & Jerry Ritter

Elizabeth & Richard G. Robb

Kathleen S. & John C. Rorris

Al & Martha Roux

Mrs. Harvey Saligman & The Linda & Harvey Saligman Charitable Foundation

Lucinda P. Santiago

Peter & Alice Sargent

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Schlafly & Sycamore Tree Charitable Fund of the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation

Kathy Sears - In memory of Frances & Walter Sears & Florentine Friedman

Thomas Sehr & Margaret A. Wayne

Linda Seibert

Dr. Mim Shelden & Lou Kinsey

Jenny & Walter Shifrin

Moisy & Bonnie Shopper

Kitty Drescher

George Drysdale

Dr. & Mrs. Wm. Claiborne Dunagan & The Dunagan Foundation

Susan & Robert Eastman

Dr. & Mrs. Sean Edelstein

Mark Eggert & Julia Tang

Ernst & Young LLP

Hildy Etzkorn

Alan R. Fiddleman

Fifth Third Bank

First Bank

Keith & Ann Fischer

Fleur de Lilies*

Gretta Forrester & Gretta Forrester Family Fund of the Greater Saint Louis Community Foundation

Janice & Bill Forsyth

Don & Margie Franz

Warren & Mattie French

Nancy Friedland & James Florczak - In memory of Waldo & Lucille Friedland

Ann M. Fusz

Ellen M. Fusz

Dr. James Gandre & Dr. Boris Thomas

Eileen Garcia

Gazelle STL*

Bettie Gershman & Gershman Foundation

Gail & Louis Glaser

Barbara B. Goodman

Joan Goodson

Ronald & Jan Greenberg

Michael L. & Paula E. Gross

Frank J. Guyoll III

Louis & Marcela Hawn

Stephen W. Skrainka

Raymond G. Slavin, M.D.

Janie & Sandy Sommer

Dr. John Sopuch

Spirits of St. Louis Distillery*

SqWires Restaurant & Annex*

St. Louis Magazine*

St. Louis Public Radio*

Linda Stark

J. Kennard Streett

Georgia Streett

Drs. Elizabeth & Paul Stroble

Dr. Donald Suggs

Mr. & Mrs. Warren G. Sullivan

Peggy Walter Symes

Maria & Philip Taxman

Emil & Marianne Unanue

Rowena B. Van Dyke

Annie Vogt

Carol Wall

Washington University

Leroy Wehrle

Mr. & Mrs. John D. Weil & Pershing Place Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Weiss

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Weiss

Ann Carroll Wells

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Wislow & Susan & Robert Wislow Foundation

Barbara McAfee Wohltman

Mr. & Mrs. Richard R. Woods & Heart of Oak Foundation, Inc.

Stuart & Susie Zimmerman

Matching Corporations: $1,000+AT&T Foundation Matching Gift Program

Bank of America Matching Gifts Program

Boeing Company Gift Matching Program

†In Memoriam

*In-kind

Brad

ley S

moa

k in

La bo

hèm

e (20

16).

Phot

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Ken

How

ard

35342016 ANNUAL REPORT

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Board of Directors (as of September 30, 2016)

Mrs. Stephen F. Brauer

Barbara Bridgewater

Arthur P. Brigham III

Mrs. Walter F. Brissenden*

Patricia R. Bush†

Adrienne Davis

Arnold W. Donald

Edes P. Gilbert

Anthony L. Guerrerio

Heather Hunt-Ruddy

Frank Jacobs

Bettie Johnson

Carol Kimball†

Mrs. Alan C. Kohn

Eugene Kornblum

Kenneth Kranzberg

James A. Krekeler

J. David Levy, Jr.

Mont S. Levy

Danny Ludeman

Steven C. Mizell

Michael Neidorff

Gyo Obata

Mabel L. Purkerson, M.D.

Winthrop B. Reed III

John H. Russell

Mrs. William H. Sheffield

Torbjorn Sjögren

Gene W. Spector, M.D.

Frank L. Steeves

Thelma Steward

Dr. Elizabeth Stroble*

Dr. Donald M. Suggs

Mary Susman

Maria Guadalupe Taxman

Franklin F. Wallis

Phoebe Dent Weil

Ann Carroll Wells

W. David Wells

Life MembersMrs. Eugene C. Adam

Mrs. Walter F. Brissenden

Richard W. Duesenberg

Mrs. Ernest A. Eddy, Jr.

Robert M. Feibel, M.D.

Mrs. William B. Firestone

Richard Gaddes

Mrs. Harvard K. Hecker

Dr. W. R. Konneker†

Mrs. W. R. Konneker

Mrs. E. Desmond Lee

Joseph Losos

Charles MacKay

Pris McDonnell

Mrs. Robert S. McDorman

Matthew Newman, M.D.

Roma B. Witcoff

* Ex-Officio Member

†In Memoriam

ChairmanNoémi K. Neidorff

Vice-ChairsMrs. Irl F. Engelhardt

Lelia J. Farr

V. Raymond Stranghoener

Vice-Chair and TreasurerWilliam C. Rusnack

SecretarySally S. Levy

Immediate Past ChairmanSpencer B. Burke

Chairman EmeritaDonna Wilkinson

Executive CommitteeJim Berges

Kim Eberlein

John H. Ferring IV

Mrs. Harvard K. Hecker

Gina G. Hoagland

Debra Hollingsworth

Mrs. Ronald A. Holtman

Janet Hoyne*

Robert L. Scharff, Jr.

Rex Sinquefield

Ann McFarland Sullins

Stephen L. Trampe

Board of DirectorsPaul Arenberg†

Peter F. Benoist

Susan D. Eastman Massachusetts

Dr. John E. Forestner Texas

George Handran Massachusetts

Dr. Diane & Mr. Paul Jacobson Minnesota

Mr. Jack McCord Illinois

Drs. Terri A. Monk & B. Craig Weldon Missouri

Ellen von Seggern Richter & Jan Paul Richter California & Maryland

Carol L. Roslund Missouri

Drs. Sondra & Milton Schlesinger California

Mrs. Frederick J. Simon Nebraska

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Tancer Arizona

Professor Emeritus Charles M. Weiss North Carolina

Sharon & Elliot Zucker Missouri & New Mexico

ChairmanMrs. Walter F. Brissenden Illinois

CouncilMr. & Mrs. Donald L. Bryant, Jr. California & Missouri

Mrs. Parks Campbell Texas

Mr. & Mrs. Robert H. Craft, Jr. Washington, D.C.

Suzanne & William Dolan Oregon

Mr. Robert H. Duesenberg Missouri

National Patrons Council (as of September 30, 2016)

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Guild Board (as of September 30, 2016)

Carol Kimball†

Lucy Levy

Sally Levy

Mary Susman

Peggy Walter Symes

Vice Presidents Community EngagementJamie Spencer

MembershipCay Sullivan

Artistic SupportBill Yeckley

Members of the Guild BoardMary Bower

Beverly Clarkson

Connie Emge

Ann Fischer

Andy Hahn

Susie Hahn

Myrna Hershman

Ingeborg Jackson

Mark Kent

Steve Knapp

Norton Kronemer

Shirley Kronemer

Fran Leve

Diane McCullough

PresidentJanet Hoyne

President ElectGailya Barker

Immediate Past PresidentBob Wagoner

SecretaryEugenie Bonte

TreasurerTom Herm

AdvisorsAnn Fusz

Ellen Fusz

Ursula Moeller

Harry Moppins

Georgia Pettus

John Rorris

Martha Roux

Damaris Schmitt

Linda Seibert

Rowena Van Dyke

Michael Weisbrod

Beverly Whittington

Diane Woepke

Tani Wolff

George Yeh

Elliot Zucker

Sharon Zucker

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

36 2016 ANNUAL REPORT

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis Staff (as of September 30, 2016)

ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATION Paul Kilmer Director of Artistic Administration

Stephanie Nigus Manager of Artistic Operations

Madalyn Mentor Artistic Coordinator

DEVELOPMENTNicole Ambos Freber Director of Development

Emilie Hensley (through August 11, 2016) Assistant Director of Development

Michelle Myers Manager of Constituent Relations Caron House Manager of Institutional Grants Stacey Bregenzer Development Systems Manager

Cameron James (beginning September 21, 2016) Manager of Special Events

Kate Loar (through August 11, 2016) Development Associate

EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTAllison Felter Director of Education & Community Engagement

Daniel Mayo (through July 5, 2016) Manager of Education & Community Engagement

Robert McNichols Manager of Community Events & Engagement

Mia DeJong (beginning August 22, 2016) Education Coordinator

FINANCEMary Ip Director of Finance

Barry Rowold Accounting Manager

Sharon Ackermann Staff Accountant

Peggy Brooks Accounts Coordinator

MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONSJoe Gfaller Director of Marketing & Public Relations

Brian Jones Digital Media & Database Manager

Anh Le Publications & Brand Manager

Sarah Thompson Interim Public Relations Manager

Maggie Stearns National PR Consultant

Frances Morales-Neufeld PR & Social Media Consultant

Michael Simpson Program Book & Front of House Designer

Ken Howard Company Photographer

BOX OFFICEKara Koverman Box Office Manager

Sally Kurt Assistant Box Office Manager

OFFICE OF THE GENERAL DIRECTORErin Waters Ryan Executive Assistant to the General Director

PRODUCTION & OPERATIONSStephen Ryan Director of Production & Operations

Vonetta Flowers Production Manager

Eric Woolsey Operations Manager Hans Fredrickson Technical Director

Stacy Harris Costume Shop Manager

Kendra Henry Production & Operations Business Manager

Lucie Garnett Receptionist

Front cover photo: Andriana Chuchman in Shalimar the Clown.

Back cover photo: Josh Wheeker and Anush Avetisyan in Center Stage.

Photos © Ken Howard, 2016

Timothy O’Leary General Director

Stephen Lord Music Director

James Robinson Artistic Director

2016 ANNUAL REPORT

“I haven’t been so moved by Bohème in years.”

– Opera News

“Outstanding talents… Any opera lover will supremely enjoy this splendid production.”

– Broadway World “A feast for your eyes and ears.” – ALIVE Magazine

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LA BOHÈME